Overview:

Forestland Preservation Grant Program

The forestland preservation grant program provides funding to lease or buy voluntary land preservation agreements (also called conservation easements) for forests to ensure the lands remain available for timber production in the future.

The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to buy land for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. In 2016, the state Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of forestland with the goal of supporting working forests that also provide connectivity, habitat enhancement, sustainable ecological benefits, and public access.

Through the forestland preservation program, grant recipients also may help restore habitat in the forest.

Typical Projects

Buying a conservation easement or lease for a forest threatened with development

In conjunction with a conservation easement or lease, restoring stream corridors to support clean water and fish habitat.

Definition of Forestland

The following types of forests are eligible: industrial, private, community, tribal, and publicly owned forests. The land must be devoted primarily to timber production and must be enrolled in a county’s open space or forestland property tax program.

Open Space Program

The open space property tax program designates timberlands for the production of forest crops to assure the use and enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens.

Forestland Designation

The forestland property tax program designates lands to enhance water supply; minimize soil erosion and storm and flood damage to people or property; provide habitat for wild game; provide scenic and recreational spaces; contribute to the natural ecological equilibrium; contribute to employment and profits; and contribute raw materials for products needed by everyone.

Forestland is a contiguous 5 or more acres that are devoted primarily to the growth and harvest of timber for commercial purposes. Both programs mean the land only and do not include a residential homesite. The terms include land used for incidental uses that are compatible with the growing and harvesting of timber but no more than 10 percent of the land may be used for such incidental uses. They also include the land on which appurtenances necessary for the production, preparation, or sale of the timber products exist in conjunction with land producing these products.

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Eligibility:

Who can apply?

Cities

Counties

Nonprofit nature conservancies

State Conservation Commission

Eligible Projects

Land acquisition through easements or leases (required for all projects).

Public access is not required.

Habitat enhancement or restoration, in conjunction with land acquisition.

These activities must further the ecological functions of the forestland.

Installing fences or bridges

Replanting native vegetation

Replacing culverts

Combination of land acquisition and restoration or enhancement

Projects must include correcting all fish passage barriers on property owned by a private, small forest landowner not otherwise required by the Forest Practices Act.

Grant recipients also are required to do a baseline inventory of the condition of the property.

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